Modelling the engineering design system to improve performance

This paper deals with the GRAI-R & D model based on the GRAI methodology to model engineering design systems in order to improve the performance of product engineering design. The aim is to optimise the synchronisation and coordination of the development of several design projects in an environment with limited resources (material, human, know-how, etc.) and satisfy the strategic performance objectives of the enterprise (cost, quality, flexibility, lead time, deadlines, etc.). After presenting the concepts of design control, the characteristics of the corresponding control system are described. The control system is a coordinated combination of the design process and product knowledge. The GRAI decision-making breakdown criteria (functional and temporal criteria) have been used for each design control field to structure coordination decisions. The structuring and identification of the interactions between decisions help engineers to coordinate and synchronise their design tasks. A graphic formalism is used for the design control system to facilitate understanding, communication, information and acquisition by design decision-makers. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the advantages of using the GRAI-R D model. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.